Cream Cheese Swirl Chocolate Pound Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 10
Equipment:
9×5 inch loaf pan
mixing bowls
electric mixer
rubber spatula
measuring cups and spoons
cooling rack
Cuisine Type: American
This Cream Cheese Swirl Chocolate Pound Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the creamy tang of cream cheese for a delightful surprise in every slice. The dense, moist texture of the pound cake is elevated by the luscious cream cheese swirl, which adds a beautiful contrast both in taste and appearance.
Perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike. Baking this chocolate pound cake is straightforward, and the ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. By incorporating cream cheese into the batter, you create a delightful filling that melts into the cake as it bakes, giving you pockets of creamy goodness.
Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking. This will guarantee an easy release and a nice shape for your pound cake.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the batter, which will help the cake rise.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a denser cake.
- In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. This will be your cream cheese swirl filling that adds a delightful tang to the cake.
- Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared loaf pan, then dollop the cream cheese mixture over it. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the chocolate batter. Pour the remaining chocolate batter on top and repeat the swirling process to create an attractive marbled effect.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Extra Tips:
To enhance the flavor of your chocolate pound cake, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients, as this will intensify the chocolate taste. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, and feel free to customize the cake by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter if desired.
This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for longer storage.